Mexico can't mix business with displeasure at Canada visa law
July 17 2009 by Mark Johnstone
Will Canada visa law affect trade with Mexico?
A Canadian think-tank has responded to the recent news of Canada visa restrictions for Mexicans with the suggestion that the government implement a secure traveller program with Mexico similar to the one in place with the US so as to protect business relationships with Mexico.
Media reports havs stated the Canadian government had initiated temporary resident visa requirements for Mexican immigrants who want to move to Canada because of the high numbers of refugee claims (most of which were rejected).
Carlo Dade, executive director of the Canadian Federation for the Americas, has expressed concern that the move could jeopardize Canada’s trade relationship with Latin America: "We spent three years telling countries in the region that we want to be closer, that we want to do more trade, cultural exchanges, students and tourists," he said. "Then we turn around (and) do the one thing that (is) going to put a chill on all of that, with Canadian visas for Mexico."
The solution, according to the Federation, is a secure traveler program similar to the one that already exists between Canada and the US. This would, Dade believes, limit the impact of new visa requirements on cross-border business relationships. Dade said the Canadian visa requirements had to be consider the impact of the extra hassle for business travellers. "If you're going to do this and it's a done deal, at least be thinking about mitigation measures like a secure traveller program," he said.
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